Boozy pops

When you want something cold, refreshing, and alcoholic this summer, don’t automatically reach for a calorie-laden beer or frozen cocktail. Instead, make your own ice pops with an adult-only theme for a fun and refreshing treat with half the guilt.

Making Popsicles with Alcohol

As you may probably know, freezing alcohol is not exactly easy, but with a few simple tips you will be making these adult popsicles in no time.

Choose your poison:

You can use just about any liquor when making popsicles. Tequila works great for a margarita pop or vodka makes a tasty screwdriver. If you make a chocolaty popsicles try adding Kahlua or peppermint schnapps for a different twist. Even wine works for a delicious popsicle spritzer.

Tip

The most important part of freezing alcohol is doing it in the correct proportion. If you add to much alcohol it will not freeze correctly and you'll be stuck with slush. Add the alcohol in a 4-to-1 ratio (juice to alcohol) so they freeze just right.

Mixers:

Making a popsicle reminiscent of your favorite summer cocktail is a great idea. For example, mojito pops made with limes, mint, sugar, and rum is a tasty treat or a pina colada popsicles with coconut, pineapple, and rum works great. You could, of course, use just straight fresh fruit juice which will also work.

Garnishes:

Every cocktail needs a garnish, so for these popsicles, add chunks of fresh fruit to the mix. You could also garnish them by spreading melted chocolate over them which takes a swift hand because hot melted chocolate and frozen popsicles don't exactly mix well.

Mojito Popsicle Recipe

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups fresh lime juice

1 1/2 cups club soda

4 whole limes, cut into wedges

1/3 cups fresh mint leaves

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cups light rum

Directions:

Combine lime juice, club soda, limes, mint, and soda to a large pitcher. Muddle mixture until well combined. Add rum to mixture and stir

Strain mixture into popsicle molds and let freeze until firm, at least overnight

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Daiquiri Pops

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

4 cups hulled strawberries

1/4 cup white rum

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/2 cup water

1 cup melted semisweet chocolate (to be used after popsicles are frozen)

Directions:

Combine strawberries, rum, sugar, lime juice, and water in a blender. Blend until well combined

Pour mixture into popsicles molds and freeze overnight

When popsicles are completely frozen remove them from the molds and quickly coat the outsides with the melted chocolate using a spatula. Lay the popsicles on a wax paper covered baking sheet and freeze again, until chocolate is firm

Kahlua Chocolate Pops

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 4-ounce package chocolate pudding mix

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3 1/2 cups low-fat milk

1/4 cup Kahlua

Directions:

Combine pudding mix with sugar and milk and a saucepan and heat over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Remove mixture from heat and let cool for a few seconds then pour in Kahlua and stir well.